Last verified: 25 September 2026.
The Dubai transit visa cost varies according to the airline, mediator and service route. The amount can also differ depending on the transit duration, application channel and whether additional service charges apply.
A Dubai transit visa is intended for eligible travellers who are passing through the UAE on an onward international journey and need to enter Dubai for a limited period. It is different from a standard tourist visa and should be selected according to the traveller’s itinerary.
For Indian travellers, comparing the Dubai transit visa cost is not only about checking the government fee. The airline route, mediator charges, processing option and total payable amount should also be considered.
Table of Contents
- Dubai Transit Visa Cost at a Glance
- What Is a Dubai Transit Visa?
- 48-Hour Dubai Transit Visa Cost
- 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa Cost
- Dubai Transit Visa Cost for Indian Travellers
- GDRFA Transit Visa Fee
- What Affects Dubai Transit Visa Cost?
- Transit Visa Requirements
- Onward Ticket Requirement
- Passport Validity
- How to Apply
- Processing Time
- Dubai Transit Visa Cost vs Tourist Visa Cost
- When Should You Choose a Transit Visa?
- Transit Visa vs Tourist Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Takeaway
Dubai Transit Visa Cost at a Glance
The current Dubai transit visa cost can be viewed through the following options:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| GDRFA 48/96-hour transit | AED 50 + mediator fee |
| VisaKendra 96-hour transit | From INR 5,800 |
The government fee and commercial provider price should not be treated as the same amount.
The GDRFA-listed fee is a government-side charge, while the VisaKendra amount represents a commercial assistance route. Depending on the application route, additional charges may apply.
When comparing the Dubai transit visa cost, always check what is included in the displayed price.
What Is a Dubai Transit Visa?
A Dubai transit visa is a short-duration UAE entry route for eligible travellers who are travelling onward to another destination.
It can be relevant when a traveller has a connecting journey through Dubai and wants to enter the UAE during the stopover, subject to the applicable immigration and visa conditions.
A transit visa is not designed to replace a standard tourist visa for a longer Dubai holiday.
The exact conditions depend on the traveller’s nationality, airline, itinerary and application route.
For this reason, the Dubai transit visa cost should always be considered together with eligibility and travel requirements.
48-Hour Dubai Transit Visa Cost
GDRFA uses a combined service covering 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas and lists AED 50 plus airline or mediator fees.
The actual amount paid by a traveller can therefore be higher than the government base fee if an airline or mediator applies additional charges.
The 48-hour option may be relevant for travellers with a short stopover who need a limited period of entry before continuing their international journey.
Before applying, travellers should check:
- Transit duration
- Airline eligibility
- Onward flight
- Passport validity
- Applicable government fee
- Mediator or airline charges
- Total payable amount
This is important because the Dubai transit visa cost shown by one application route may not be the same as the amount shown by another route.
96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa Cost
The 96-hour transit option allows a longer transit period than the 48-hour category, subject to the applicable visa conditions.
VisaKendra currently lists 96-hour transit assistance from INR 5,800 with a processing guide of 2–3 business days.
The 96-hour option can be relevant for travellers whose onward journey requires a longer stopover in Dubai.
However, travellers should confirm their flight itinerary and eligibility before selecting this category.
The Dubai transit visa cost for the 96-hour option can differ between the official fee structure and commercial provider pricing because provider services may include additional charges.
Dubai Transit Visa Cost for Indian Travellers
Indian travellers planning a Dubai stopover should compare more than just the headline price.
The key factors include:
- Eligibility
- Airline route
- Transit duration
- Onward ticket
- Passport validity
- Government fee
- Mediator fee
- Provider service charges
- Processing time
VisaKendra currently lists the 96-hour transit option from INR 5,800.
This amount should be viewed as the current commercial estimate listed by VisaKendra rather than as the official GDRFA government fee.
Indian travellers should also confirm whether their airline and itinerary support the relevant transit visa application route.
GDRFA Transit Visa Fee
GDRFA lists AED 50 plus mediator fees for its combined 48/96-hour transit service.
The mediator or airline component means the final Dubai transit visa cost can vary depending on the application route.
This distinction is important when comparing online prices.
For example:
Government-side listed fee:
AED 50 + mediator fee
VisaKendra listed commercial route:
96-hour transit from INR 5,800
These amounts represent different components of the application process and should not be compared as though they are identical fee types.
What Affects Dubai Transit Visa Cost?
Several factors can affect the final Dubai transit visa cost.
1. Transit Duration
The visa category can depend on whether the traveller requires a 48-hour or 96-hour transit period.
2. Airline
GDRFA states that transit visa applications are submitted through approved airlines. Therefore, the airline route can be relevant to the application process.
3. Mediator Charges
The government-listed fee may not represent the entire amount payable because mediator fees can apply.
4. Commercial Service Charges
A commercial provider may charge for application assistance or processing services.
5. Application Route
Different application channels can have different pricing structures.
6. Processing Option
The processing guide can differ depending on the application route and provider.
Because of these factors, the Dubai transit visa cost should be checked using the exact airline and application route.
Transit Visa Requirements
Travellers should prepare the required documents before starting the application process.
GDRFA requires:
- Recent colour photograph
- Passport copy including the cover
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Confirmed onward flight ticket
Additional documents may be required depending on the traveller’s circumstances or application route.
The passport copy should be clear and all personal details should be readable.
The onward ticket is particularly important because a transit visa is linked to the traveller’s onward international journey.
Onward Flight Ticket Requirement
An onward flight ticket is an important requirement for the transit visa route.
The purpose of a transit visa is to allow an eligible traveller to pass through the UAE while continuing to another destination.
Travellers should therefore have a confirmed onward flight according to the applicable requirements before applying.
If your travel plan involves staying in Dubai for a longer holiday, a tourist visa may be more appropriate than a transit visa.
Passport Validity
GDRFA’s listed transit requirements include a passport with at least six months’ validity.
Travellers should check their passport expiry date before starting the application.
If the passport does not meet the applicable validity requirement, the visa application may not be suitable for the intended travel route.
It is better to verify passport validity early rather than waiting until the travel date.
How to Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa
GDRFA says transit visa applications are submitted through approved airlines.
The general process can be understood as follows:
Step 1: Confirm Your Itinerary
Check your departure flight, connecting flight and final destination.
Step 2: Check Transit Eligibility
Confirm that your nationality, airline and itinerary meet the applicable transit visa conditions.
Step 3: Select the Transit Duration
Determine whether the 48-hour or 96-hour route matches your stopover.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Keep your passport copy, photograph and onward ticket ready.
Step 5: Apply Through the Eligible Route
Submit the application through the approved airline or applicable application channel.
Step 6: Review the Cost
Check the government fee, mediator charges and any commercial service charges.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Allow sufficient time for the visa to be processed before your planned journey.
Processing Time
GDRFA lists 48 hours as the expected completion time for the referenced transit service.
VisaKendra currently lists 2–3 business days for its commercial 96-hour transit route.
Processing times should be treated as guides rather than guaranteed approval or issuance timelines.
Actual processing can depend on document completeness, application circumstances and the relevant authority or airline.
Travellers with fixed flight schedules should therefore plan their visa application in advance.
Dubai Transit Visa Cost vs Tourist Visa Cost
A transit visa and tourist visa serve different travel purposes.
A transit visa is designed for eligible travellers making a short stopover while continuing to another destination.
A tourist visa is intended for travellers planning a tourism or visitor stay in the UAE.
Because the purpose and duration are different, comparing only the Dubai transit visa cost with a tourist visa price may not be useful.
Instead, compare the visa category that matches your actual travel itinerary.
For example:
| Requirement | Transit Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Short stopover | Tourism/visit |
| Typical duration | 48 or 96 hours | Longer stay options |
| Onward journey | Important | Depends on visa conditions |
| Application route | Approved airline route | Applicable tourist visa route |
| Pricing | Government + mediator/provider | Government + provider charges |
When Should You Choose a Transit Visa?
A transit visa may be relevant when:
- You have an international stopover in Dubai.
- You have an onward flight to another country.
- You need to enter the UAE during your transit.
- Your airline supports the applicable transit visa route.
- Your travel duration fits the transit visa conditions.
If Dubai is your main holiday destination and you plan to stay for several days or weeks, you should compare the appropriate tourist visa category instead.
When Should You Compare a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa may be more relevant when Dubai is the actual destination of your trip.
VisaKendra currently lists several tourist options, including:
- 30 Days Tourist – Standard Single Entry: From INR 7,849
- 30 Days Tourist – Express Single Entry: INR 12,500
- 30 Days Tourist – Multiple Entry: From INR 14,000
- 60 Days Tourist – Single Entry: From INR 14,200
- 60 Days Tourist – Multiple Entry: From INR 21,700
These options should not be confused with the 96-hour transit option.
Choosing the correct category can help travellers avoid applying for a visa that does not match their actual itinerary.
How to Compare the Total Dubai Transit Visa Cost
Before making payment, check the following:
- Government fee
- Mediator fee
- Airline charges
- Provider service fee
- Processing charges
- Visa duration
- Entry conditions
- Required documents
- Final payable amount
A displayed “starting from” amount may not always represent the complete amount for every applicant.
Therefore, confirm the final amount applicable to your specific application.
Dubai Transit Visa Cost for Different Travel Plans
The right option depends on the stopover duration.
Short Stopover
If your itinerary requires only a short transit period, compare the 48-hour category.
Longer Stopover
If your stopover requires more time, compare the 96-hour category.
Dubai Holiday
If you are travelling to Dubai primarily for tourism rather than transit, compare the appropriate tourist visa instead.
This approach ensures that the Dubai transit visa cost is being compared against the correct visa category.visakendra
Important Points Before Applying
Before submitting your application, confirm:
- Your passport has at least six months’ validity.
- Your passport copy includes the cover.
- You have a recent colour photograph.
- You have a confirmed onward flight ticket.
- Your airline supports the applicable transit visa route.
- Your transit duration matches the selected visa.
- You understand the government and mediator charges.
- You have checked the complete payable amount.
Checking these details in advance can make the application process more organised.
Check Current Dubai Visa Options
Travellers who are comparing transit and tourist visa options can review the current Dubai visa choices available through VisaKendra.
VisaKendra currently lists a 96-hour transit option from INR 5,800 along with several Dubai tourist visa categories.
Check current Dubai visa options on VisaKendra →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai transit visa cost?
GDRFA lists AED 50 plus airline or mediator fees for its combined 48/96-hour transit service. VisaKendra currently lists 96-hour transit assistance from INR 5,800.
What is the VisaKendra 96-hour price?
VisaKendra currently lists the 96-hour Dubai transit option from INR 5,800.
Is AED 50 the complete Dubai transit visa cost?
Not necessarily. GDRFA lists AED 50 plus mediator fees, so the final amount can be higher depending on the application route.
Do I need an onward ticket?
Yes. GDRFA’s listed transit requirements include a confirmed onward flight ticket.
How long should my passport be valid?
GDRFA’s listed transit requirements include at least six months’ passport validity.
Can Indians apply for a Dubai transit visa?
Yes, subject to applicable eligibility, airline routing and transit visa conditions.
Can I leave Dubai airport with a transit visa?
Eligible transit visa holders may be able to enter the UAE during the approved transit period, subject to immigration clearance and the conditions of the issued visa.
Can I use a transit visa for a long Dubai holiday?
A transit visa is intended for a short onward journey. If Dubai is the main destination and you plan a longer stay, compare the applicable tourist visa instead.
How long does a Dubai transit visa take to process?
GDRFA lists 48 hours as expected completion for the referenced service. VisaKendra currently lists 2–3 business days for its commercial 96-hour transit route.
Does the Dubai transit visa cost include airline charges?
Not necessarily. The government fee and airline or mediator charges can be separate.
What documents are required for a Dubai transit visa?
GDRFA requires a recent colour photo, passport copy including the cover, at least six months’ passport validity and a confirmed onward flight ticket.visakendra
Final Takeaway
The Dubai transit visa cost depends on the government fee, mediator or airline charges and the application route.
GDRFA lists AED 50 plus mediator fees for its combined 48/96-hour transit service, while VisaKendra currently lists 96-hour transit assistance from INR 5,800.
Indian travellers should compare the complete payable amount rather than looking only at the government base fee. Eligibility, airline routing, passport validity, onward ticket and transit duration should also be confirmed before applying.
For longer stays in Dubai, compare the appropriate tourist visa rather than using a transit visa simply because its cost may appear lower.
Official reference: GDRFA Transit Visa
